The Chicago Bears have closed the book on Jay Cutler’s era as their franchise quarterback, an unfulfilling eight-year story that featured only one postseason appearance.
The Bears made cutting Cutler their first official move Thursday when the NFL free agent market opened, while they were reportedly working toward an agreement to replace him with former Tampa Bay quarterback Mike Glennon.
Cutler’s final year with the Bears ended with a 3-13 record. Thumb and shoulder injuries limited him to five games.
There was no guaranteed money left on the contract extension he signed a few days after the 2013 season, making the move to cut the 33-year-old widely expected.
“I appreciate Jay’s professionalism throughout this process and throughout my two years with him here in Chicago,” general manager Ryan Pace said.
“I will always appreciate his toughness and respect his accomplishments on the field with the Bears.”
Chairman George McCaskey said the organization was “grateful” for Cutler’s contributions.
“His ability, toughness, and intelligence were on daily display at Halas Hall and Soldier Field. He had an extraordinary impact off the field, doing things for people, especially kids, without expecting or wanting any recognition,” McCaskey said. “I was and am a big fan of his.”
The Bears paid Cutler roughly $105 million since acquiring him in a trade with Denver before the 2009 season, when they sent the Broncos quarterback and Iowa native Kyle Orton, two first-round picks and a third-rounder for Cutler and a fifth-round selection. He accumulated more yards and touchdowns than any other Bears quarterback while picking up many other career club records, including passer rating and completion percentage.
Cutler also posted four of the top five single-season passing yardage totals in franchise history, behind record-holder Erik Kramer (1995).